Image: The brains behind UNE Sci Flicks, Dr Marissa Betts (left) with expert guest Dr Nick Tailby (right) at a previous event.

In the last couple of years, the Sci-Flicks movie nights at the Belgrave Cinema have become a UNE science outreach staple. People love going to the movies, and Sci-Flicks value adds to this, pairing a film with a talk from a UNE researcher before the screening and an audience Q+A afterwards. Sixteen films have been screened as part of Sci-Flicks so far including science fiction classics, serious documentaries all the way to Hollywood blockbusters. The events showcase the awesome science being done here at UNE and give the public a chance to ask questions of experts. The events are paired with a short interview (recorded as companion podcasts) with the speaker on UNE’s student radio, TuneFM. These are made available on Spotify.

The role will require strong communication and organisation skills, and the initiative to source speakers and films.

Duties: To coordinate and host the Sci-Flicks science film nights and companion podcast.
Specifically to:

  • Liaise with UNE researchers (academics and students) to recruit speakers and brainstorm films, with consideration for maintaining a diversity of disciplines and speaker background
  • Liaise with the Belgrave Cinema to secure films and event dates.
  • ‘MC’ events at the cinema – introducing speaker and mediating the question and answer session after the film
  • Liaise with TuneFM to record podcast interviews
  • Develop 5 – 6 interview questions per speaker
  • Liaise with UNE Marketing to create posters for advertising events

The successful candidate will initially work closely with current Sci-Flicks coordinator Dr Marissa Betts who will provide training on all aspects of the role. This is a great opportunity, ideally for a UNE HDR student, to build their skills in science communication, develop their network and profile, and share more science with the community!

Remuneration & contract details: This position operates as a UNE Casual Professional Staff, Level 5 in the current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

This is an ~10 month position at ~3 hrs per week, with the possibility of being extended.

If you would like to learn more about the position please contact Dr Marissa Betts mbetts7@une.edu.au.

Send your Expressions of Interest (including CV) to Dr Marissa Betts mbetts7@une.edu.au by 30 September 2023.